BSXDG0195

Stephen Edwards — Ave Maria Mass, Revelation & Suite for the Americas

A powerful collection of sacred music, cinematic orchestral writing, and American-inspired symphonic storytelling—recorded across two decades and released together for the first time.

Stephen Edwards’ Ave Maria Mass is a large-scale Latin Mass for choir and orchestra, commissioned by Thomas S. Monaghan, founder of Domino’s and the Ave Maria institutions. The work premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2004, performed by a 200-voice choir and orchestra under the direction of Dr. Candace Wicke.

This release also includes Revelation, a dramatic setting of passages from the Book of Revelation. Edwards describes his musical approach as “film score meets liturgical music,” a distinctive sound that would eventually lead to works such as Requiem for My Mother.

Revelation holds a particularly important place in Edwards’ musical journey. It marked his first Carnegie Hall performance with Dr. Wicke, who encouraged him to create the piece when space became available on the program. The choir was recorded in New York City just one day before the 2004 performance, singing to a synthesizer track. Four years later, the orchestral parts were recorded in Prague, again under Dr. Wicke’s direction. Edwards subsequently brought the recordings together and mixed the choir and orchestra in his own studio.

Now, for the first time, this remarkable recording is being released.

Completing the collection is Suite for the Americas, a series of short orchestral movements celebrating the people, places, heritage, beauty, and spirit of the United States. From the soaring tribute to first responders and service members in “The Eagle Soars,” to the sweeping landscapes of “The Grand Mississippi,” “Mighty Redwoods,” and “Niagara Falls,” the suite moves through American history and imagination with cinematic color and symphonic energy. “Elegy to Our Fallen Heroes” offers a moving tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Together, these works reveal a composer whose music bridges sacred tradition, cinematic storytelling, orchestral grandeur, and American musical identity.

AVE MARIA MASS
1. Kyrie (4:44)
2. Gloria (5:18)
3. Sanctus (2:41)
4. Benedictus (2:08)
5. Agnus Dei (2:46)
6. Ave Maria (1:53)
7. Gratias Deo (3:03)

Total Time: 22:33

REVELATION
08. Battle, Peace in Heaven and Warning on Earth (9:18)

SUITE FOR THE AMERICAS
9. The Eagle Soars (2:45)
10. I Will Fear No Evil (3:28)
11. Tall Ships (2:44)
12. The Grand Mississippi (2:16)
13. Cowboy's Jig (1:33)
14. Flag in the Breeze (2:51)
15. Central Park Waltz (2:58)
16. Mighty Redwoods (3:28)
17 Building a Nation (2:22)
18. Eternal Flame (2:03)
19. Niagra Falls (2:08)
20. Baseball Hero (2:26)
21. Elegy to our Fallen Heroes (3:02)
22 Patriotic Parade (2:25)

Total Time: 68:29